First Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
Subject: Physical Science 8th grade
*SOL 1:The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in
which
a) chemicals and equipment are used safely;
b) length, mass, volume, density, temperature, weight, and force are accurately measured;
c) conversions are made among metric units, applying appropriate prefixes;
d) triple beam and electronic balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, probeware, and spring scales are used to gather data;
e) numbers are expressed in scientific notation where appropriate;
f) independent and dependent variables, constants, controls, and repeated trials are identified;
g) data tables showing the independent and dependent variables, derived quantities, and the number of trials are constructed and interpreted;
h) data tables for descriptive statistics showing specific measures of central tendency, the range of the data set, and the number of repeated
trials are constructed and interpreted;
i) frequency distributions, scatterplots, line plots, and histograms are constructed and interpreted;
DATES TO REMEMBER
j) valid conclusions are made after analyzing data;
k) research methods are used to investigate practical problems and questions;
l) experimental results are presented in appropriate written form;
m) models and simulations are constructed and used to illustrate and explain phenomena; and
n) current applications of physical science concepts are used.
Days
(25)
Essential Knowledge and Skills
Make connections between the components of the nature of
science and their investigations and the greater body of scientific
knowledge and research.
Select appropriate equipment (probeware, triple beam balances,
thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, electronic
balances, or spring scales) and utilize correct techniques to
measure length, mass, density, weight, volume, temperature, and
force.
Blooms
Apply
Apply
Create
Design a data table that includes space to organize all
components of an investigation in a meaningful way, including
levels of the independent variable, measured responses of the
dependent variable, number of trials, and mathematical means.
Vocabulary
Science
Observations
Inference
Hypothesis
Prediction
Scientific Theory
Scientific Law
Critical Thinking
Description
Explanation
International
System of Units
(S.I.)
Scientific Notation
Percent Error
Length
Mass
Suggested Instructional
Activities
-CG . 1-4
-Text
SMARTBoard
-Notes,
Lectures,
Charts,
Internet
-VDOE
- online
resources, unit
projects, math
practice,
internet labs,
etc
(gpscience.co
m)
Add. Info.
AssesTeacher
quizzes
and test
-Text test
-Labs
-Activities
-Worksheets
-Student
demonstratio
ns
-Graphic
organizers
-CPS
Lessons
-SOL
Released
Record measurements, using the following metric (SI) units:
liter, milliliter (cubic centimeters), meter, centimeter, millimeter,
grams, degrees Celsius, and newtons.
Recognize metric prefix units and make common metric
conversions between the same base metric unit (for example,
nanogram to milligram or kilometer to meter).
Use a variety of graphical methods to display data; create an
appropriate graph for a given set of data; and select the proper
type of graph for a given set of data, identify and label the axes,
and plot the data points.
Gather, evaluate, and summarize information, using multiple and
variable resources, and detect bias from a given from a given
source.
Identify the key components of controlled experiments:
hypotheses, independent and dependent variables, constants,
controls, and repeated trials.
Formulate conclusions that are supported by the gathered data.
Apply the methodology of scientific inquiry: begin with a
question, design an investigation, gather evidence, formulate an
answer to the original question, communicate the investigative
process and results, and realize this methodology does not
always follow a prescribed sequence.
Communicate in written form the following information about
investigations: the purpose/problem of the investigation,
procedures, materials, data and/or observations, graphs, and an
Apply
Apply
Density
Weight
Volume
Temperature
Force
Independent
Variable
Dependent
Variable
Control
Constant
Qualitative data
Quantitative data
Technology
Bias
Nanotechnology
TextbookMath Skill
Handbook
(pgs. 817-833)
and Extra
Math
Problems (pgs
834-845).
Tests
-ExamView
Pro
- online
resources self
check
quizzes,
section
review
quizzes,
chapter
review
quizzes/tests.
(gpscience.c
om)sments
Resources
Apply
Evaluating
Understanding
Analyzing
Creating
Analyzing
Other
interpretation of the results.
Describe how creativity comes into play during various stages of
scientific investigations.
Applying
Use current technologies to model and simulate experimental
conditions.
Creating
Recognize examples of the use of nanotechnology and its
applications.
Applying
DATES TO REMEMBER
1 st / 2nd Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
SOL:PS.2 The student will investigate and understand the nature of matter. Key concepts include
Days
(25)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
the particle theory of matter;
elements, compounds, mixtures, acids, bases, and salts;
solids, liquids, and gases;
physical properties;
chemical properties; and
f)
characteristics of types of matter based on physical and chemical properties.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
describe the particle theory of matter
Describe how to determine whether a substance is an element,
compound, or mixture.
Define compounds as inorganic or organic. (All organic
compounds contain carbon).
Describe what a salt is and explain how salts form.
Blooms
Vocabulary
Understanding
Understanding
Matter
Atom
Substance
Element
Compound
Mixture
Heterogeneous
Mixture
Homogeneous
Mixture
Dissolve
pH
Acidity
Alkalinity
Combustibility
Reactivity
Inorganic
Organic
Physical property
Chemical property
Solubility
Mass
Density
Physical Change
Chemical Change
Sublimation
Condensation
Evaporation
Freezing
Melting
Understanding
Applying
Suggested Instructional
Activities
CG p. 5-7
-Text, Notes
-Lectures
-Worksheets
-Internet
-PS Resource
site (UVA
Physics Dept.)
SMARTBoard
-VDOE
SAMRTBoard
-
Add. Info.
AssessmStud
ent
demonstratio
ns
-Classroom
observations
-Student
laboratory
reports
-Quizzes
-Tests
-CPS
Lessons
-SOL
Released
Tests
-ExamView
Proonline
resources self check
quizzes,
section
review
quizzes,
chapter
review
quizzes/tests.
(gpscience.c
om)
Describe the properties of solids, liquids, gases, and plasma.
Distinguish between physical properties (i.e., shape, density,
solubility, odor, melting point, boiling point, and color) and
chemical properties (i.e., acidity, basicity, combustibility, and
reactivity).
Find the mass and volume of substances and calculate and
compare their densities.
analyze the pH of a solution and classify it as acidic, basic, or
neutral
Determine the identity of an unknown substance by comparing
its properties to those of known substances.
Design an investigation from a testable question related to physical
and chemical properties of matter. The investigation may be a
complete experimental design or may focus on systematic
observation, description, measurement, and/or data collection and
analysis. (Students should be able to use the inquiry skills
represented in PS.1 and LS.1 to compose a clear hypothesis, create
an organized data table, identify variables and constants, record
data correctly, construct appropriate graphs, analyze data, and draw
reasonable conclusions.)
Applying
Resources
Analyzing
Applying
Applying
Other
Analyzing
Creating
Concentration
2nd Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
Subject:
SOL: *: P.S. 3 The student will investigate and understand the modern and historical models of atomic structure. Key concepts include
a) the contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, and Bohr in understanding the atom; and
b) the modern model of atomic structure.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Days
(15)
Essential Knowledge and Skills
Describe the historical development of the concept of the atom
and the contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr and
other scientists (Schrödinger).
Differentiate among the three basic particles in the atom
(proton, neutron, and electron) and their charges, relative
masses, and locations.
Compare the Bohr atomic model to the electron cloud model
with respect to its ability to represent accurately the threedimensional structure of the atom.
Blooms
Understanding
Analyzing
Analyzing
Vocabulary
Dalton
Thomson
Rutherford
Bohr
Schrodinger
Proton
Neutron
Electron
Electron Cloud
Model
Nucleus
Suggested Instructional
Activities
-CG p. 8-9
-Labs
-Activities
-Internet
-VDOE
-Graphic
organizers
SMART Board
Add. Info.
As Student
models
-Tests,
quizzes
-Participation
-CPS
Lessons
-SOL
Released
Tests
-ExamView
Proents
sessments
Resources
Other
* Bold items are assessed on the SOL test
2nd / 3rd Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
Subject:
SOL: *:PS.4 The student will investigate and understand the organization and use of the periodic table of elements to obtain information. Key concepts include
a) symbols, atomic number, atomic mass, chemical families (groups), and periods;
b) classification of elements as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals; and
DATES TO REMEMBER
c) formation of compounds through ionic and covalent bonding.
Days
(20)
Essential Knowledge and Skills
use the periodic table to obtain the following information about
the atom of an element:
- symbol
- atomic number
- atomic mass
- state of matter at room temperature
- number of outer energy level (valence) electrons.
describe the organization of the periodic table in terms of
- atomic number
- metals, metalloids, and nonmetals
- groups/families vs. periods.
Blooms
Vocabulary
Applying
Atomic number
Isotope
Mass number
Average atomic
mass
Radioactive
Nuclear decay
Ion
Valence electrons
Periodic table
Groups
Periods
Metals
Metalloids
Nonmetals
Semiconductor
Alkaline Earth
Covalent bonding
Ionic bonding
Chemical Formula
Applying
describe the organization of the periodic table in terms of
- atomic number
- metals, metalloids, and nonmetals
- groups/families vs. periods.
categorize a given element as metal, nonmetal, or metalloid.
Analyzing
Suggested Instructional
Activities
Notes
-Lectures
-Charts
-Videos
-Periodic table(chart)
-CG p 10-13
-VDOE
-Models
SAMRTBoard
- online
resources, unit
projects, math
practice,
internet labs,
etc
(gpscience.co
m)
TextbookMath Skill
Handbook
(pgs. 817-833)
and Extra
Math
Problems (pgs
834-845).
Add. Info.
Assessment
-Student
demonstratio
ns
-Classroom
observations
-Student
laboratory
reports
-Quizzes
-Tests
-Labs
-Participation
-Worksheets
-CPS
Lessons
-SOL
Released
Tests
-ExamView
Proonline
resources self check
quizzes,
section
review
given a chemical formula of a compound, identify the elements
and the number of atoms of each that comprise the compound.
recognize that the number of electrons in the outermost energy
level determines an element’s chemical properties or chemical
reactivity.
describe the difference between ionic and covalent bonding.
predict what kind of bond (ionic or covalent) will likely form
when metals and nonmetals are chemically combined.
* Bold items are assessed on the SOL test.
Analyzing
quizzes,
chapter
review
quizzes/tests.
(gpscience.c
om) s
Resources
Understanding
Analyzing
Evaluating
Other
3rd Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
Subject:
SOL: *:PS.5
The student will investigate and understand changes in matter and the relationship of these changes to the Law of
Conservation of Matter and Energy. Key concepts include
a) physical changes;
DATES TO REMEMBER
b) chemical changes; and
c) nuclear reactions.
Days
(20)
Essential Knowledge and Skills
Compare and contrast physical, chemical, and nuclear changes.
Blooms
Vocabulary
Analyzing
Reactants
Products
Subscripts
Superscripts
Physical Changes
Chemical Changes
Endothermic
Exothermic
Nuclear Reactions
Fusion
Fission
Luster
Ductility
Malleability
.
Identify the reactants and products in a given chemical
equation formula.
design an investigation that illustrates physical and chemical
changes
Given chemical formulas, write and balance simple chemical
equations.
Applying
Creating
Analyzing
Suggested Instructional
Activities
CG p. 14-16
-Notes
-Lectures
-Charts
Videos
-Internet
-VDOE
-Graphic
organizers
SMARTBoard
Add. Info.
A -Text tests
-Worksheets
-Activities
-Labs
-Teacher
quizzes
and tests
-Student
demonstratio
ns
-CPS
Lessons
-SOL
Released
Tests
-ExamView
Proonline
resources
-self check
quizzes,
section
review
quizzes,
chapter
review
Analyze experimental data to determine whether it supports
the Law of Conservation of Mass.
Recognize that some types of chemical reactions require
continuous input of energy (endothermic) and others release
energy (exothermic).
Describe, in simple terms, the processes that release nuclear
energy (i.e., nuclear fission and nuclear fusion). Create a
simple diagram to summarize and compare and contrast
these two types of nuclear energy.
Evaluate the positive and negative effects of using nuclear
energy.
* Bold items are assessed on the SOL test.
Analyzing
quizzes/tests.
(gpscience.c
om)ssessme
nts
Resources
Understanding
Creating
Evaluating
Other
3rd Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
Subject:
SOL: *PS.6
The student will investigate and understand forms of energy and how energy is transferred and transformed. Key
concepts include
Days
(10)
DATES TO REMEMBER
a)
potential and kinetic energy; and
b)
mechanical, chemical, electrical, thermal, radiant, and nuclear energy.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
Blooms
Vocabulary
Energy
Potential Energy
Kinetic Energy
Chemical Potential
Energy
Nuclear Energy
Electric Energy
Gravitational
Potential Energy
Mechanical Energy
Thermal Energy
Sound energy
Radiant Energy
•
differentiate between potential and kinetic energy.
Analyzing
•
identify and give examples of common forms of energy.
Applying
•
design an investigation or create a diagram to illustrate energy
transformations.
* Bold items are assessed on the SOL test.
Creating
Suggested Instructional
Activities
CG p. 17-18
-Text notes
-Lectures
-Charts
-Videos
-Internet
-VDOE
-Graphic
organizers
Add. Info.
Assessments
Resources
Other
3rd Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
Subject:
SOL: *: PS.7 The student will investigate and understand temperature scales, heat, and thermal energy transfer. Key concepts include
Days
(10)
DATES TO REMEMBER
a)
Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales and absolute zero;
b)
phase change, freezing point, melting point, boiling point, vaporization, and condensation;
c)
conduction, convection, and radiation; and
d)
applications of thermal energy transfer.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
•
distinguish between heat and temperature.
•
compare and contrast Celsius and Kelvin
temperature scales and describe absolute zero.
•
illustrate and explain the effect of the addition or
subtraction of thermal energy on the motion of molecules.
•
analyze a time/temperature graph of a phase change
experiment to determine the temperature at which the phase
change occurs (freezing point, melting point, or boiling
point).
•
compare and contrast methods of thermal energy
transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation) and provide
and explain common examples.
Blooms
Analyzing
Analyzing
Creating
Analyzing
Analyzing
Vocabulary
Absolute Zero
Celsius
Kelvin
Heat
Temperature
Phase Change
Freezing point
Boiling point
Melting point
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
Conductor
Insulator
Vaporization
Sublimation
Condensation
Heat pump
Heat engine
Suggested Instructional
Activities
CG p. 19-20
-Videos
-Charts Internet
-Notes
-Lectures
-Text
VDOE
-Graphic online
resources, unit
projects, math
practice,
internet labs,
etc
(gpscience.co
m)
TextbookMath Skill
Handbook
(pgs. 817-833)
and Extra
Math
Problems (pgs
834-845).
Add. Info.
Asses -CPS
Lessons
-SOL
Released
Tests
-ExamView
Pro
-Student
demonstratio
ns
-Classroom
observations
-Student
laboratory
reports
-Quizzes
Tests
-Labs
-Activities
-Participation
sments
Resources
•
explain, in simple terms, how the principle of
thermal energy transfer applies to heat engines, thermostats,
refrigerators, heat pumps, and geothermal systems.
•
design an investigation from a testable question
related to thermal energy transfer. The investigation may be
a complete experimental design or may focus on systematic
observation, description, measurement, and/or data collection
and analysis.
Analyzing
organizers
Creating
Other
* Bold items are assessed on the SOL test.
4th Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
SOL:PS.8
Days
(10)
The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of sound waves. Key concepts include
a)
wavelength, frequency, speed, amplitude, rarefaction, and compression;
b)
resonance;
c)
the nature of compression waves; and
d)
technological applications of sound.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
•
determine the relationship between frequency and wavelength.
•
analyze factors that determine the speed of sound through
various materials and interpret graphs and charts that display this
information.
•
identify examples illustrating resonance (e.g., musical
instruments, Tacoma Narrows Bridge, crystal stemware).
•
model a compression (longitudinal) wave and diagram, label,
and describe the basic components: wavelength, compression,
rarefaction, and frequency.
Blooms
Analyzing
Analyzing
Understanding
Creating
DATES TO REMEMBER
Vocabulary
Frequency
Pitch
Wavelength
Crests
Troughs
Mechanical wave
Longitudinal
Amplitude
Rarefaction
Compression
Resonance
Sonar
Intensity
Loudness
Doppler Effect
Interference
Absorption
Reflection
Echo
Reverberation
Acoustics
Echolocation
Ultrasound
Suggested Instructional
Activities
-CG p. 21-22
-Text
-Notes
-Lectures
-Charts
-Videos
-Internet
-VDOE
-Graphic
organizers
-SMARTBoard
Add. Info.
Asses
Student
demonstratio
ns
-Classroom
observations
-Student
Laboratory
reports
-Quizzes
-Tests
-Labs
-Activities
-Participation
-Worksheets
-CPS
Lessons
-SOL
Released
Tests
-ExamView
Proonline
resources self check
quizzes,
section
review
quizzes,
•
describe technological applications of sound waves and
generally how each application functions.
•
design an investigation from a testable question related to
sound. The investigation may be a complete experimental design or may
focus on systematic observation, description, measurement, and/or data
collection and analysis.
Analyzing
chapter
review
quizzes/tests.
(gpscience.c
om) sments
Resources
Creating
Other
* Bold items are assessed on the SOL test.
First Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
Subject:
SOL: *PS.9
Days
(10)
The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of transverse waves. Key concepts include
a)
wavelength, frequency, speed, amplitude, crest, and trough;
b)
the wave behavior of light;
c)
images formed by lenses and mirrors;
d)
the electromagnetic spectrum; and
e)
technological applications of light.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
•
model a transverse wave and draw and label the basic
components. Explain wavelength, amplitude, frequency, crest, and
trough.
•
describe the wave behavior of visible light (refraction,
reflection, diffraction, and interference).
•
design an investigation to illustrate the behavior of visible light
– reflection and refraction. Describe how reflection and refraction occur.
•
identify the images formed by lenses and mirrors.
•
compare the various types of electromagnetic waves in terms of
wavelength, frequency, and energy.
•
describe an everyday application of each of the major forms of
electromagnetic energy.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Blooms
Analyzing
Analyzing
Creating
Applying
Analyzing
Applying
Vocabulary
Wavelength
Frequency
Amplitude
Crest
Trough
Refraction
Reflection
Absorption
Interference
Diffraction
Total Internal
Reflection
Convex
Concave
Real image
Virtual image
Electromagnetic
Spectrum
Radiant Energy
Radiowave
Microwave
Infrared wave
Suggested Instructional
Activities
- online
resources, unit
projects, math
practice,
internet labs,
etc
(gpscience.com
)
Add. Info.
Assessments
Resources
TextbookMath Skill
Handbook
(pgs. 817-833)
and Extra Math
Problems (pgs
834-845).
Other
Visible light
Ultra violet light
x-rays
Gamma rays
Carrier wave
Amplitude
modulation
Frequency
modulation
Global positioning
system
* Bold items are assessed on the SOL test.
4th/5th Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
Subject:
SOL: *PS.10
Days
(20)
The student will investigate and understand the scientific principles of work, force, and motion. Key concepts include
a)
speed, velocity, and acceleration;
b)
Newton’s laws of motion;
c)
work, force, mechanical advantage, efficiency, and power; and
d)
technological applications of work, force, and motion.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Essential Knowledge and Skills
Blooms
Vocabulary
•
make measurements to calculate the speed of a moving object.
•
apply the concepts of speed, velocity, and acceleration when
describing motion.
•
differentiate between mass and weight.
•
identify situations that illustrate each Law of Motion.
Applying
Applying
Speed
Velocity
Acceleration
Deceleration
Mass
Weight
Force
Inertia
Work
Power
Reference point
Displacement
Average Speed
Constant Speed
Instantaneous
Speed
Gravity
Friction
Balanced forces
Unbalanced forces
Net force
Circular motion
Centripetal force
Momentum
Analyzing
Applying
Suggested Instructional
Activities
CG p. 23-24
-Text
-Notes
-Lectures
-Charts
-Videos
-Internet
-VDOE
-Graphic
organizers
SMARTBoard
-CG p. 25-27
-Test
-Notes
-Lectures
-Charts
-Videos
-Internet
-Graphic
organizers
Add. Info.
Assessme Student
laboratory
reports
-Quizzes
-Tests
-Labs
-Activities
-Participation
-Worksheets
-CPS
Lessons
-SOL
Released
Tests
-ExamView
Proonline
resources self check
quizzes,
section
review
quizzes,
chapter
•
explain how force, mass, and acceleration are related.
•
apply the concept of mechanical advantage to test and explain
how a machine makes work easier
•
make measurements to calculate the work done on an object.
•
make measurements to calculate the power of an object.
•
solve basic problems given the following formulas:
Speed = distance/time (s = d/t)
Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma)
Work = force × distance (W = Fd)
Power = work/time (P = W/t).
•
explain how the concepts of work, force, and motion apply to
everyday uses and current technologies.
* Bold items are assessed on the SOL test.
Analyzing
Applying
Applying
Applying
Analyzing
Applying
- online
resources, unit
projects, math
practice,
internet labs,
etc
(gpscie
review
quizzes/tests.
(gpscience.c
om) nts
Resources
Other
5th/ 6th Six Weeks Curriculum Guide
Subject:
SOL: *PS.11
Days
(15)
The student will investigate and understand basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Key concepts include
a)
static electricity, current electricity, and circuits;
b)
relationship between a magnetic field and an electric current;
c)
electromagnets, motors, and generators and their uses; and
d)
conductors, semiconductors, and insulators.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Essential Knowledge and Skills
Blooms
Vocabulary
•
design an investigation to illustrate the effects of static
electricity.
Creating
Static Charge
Static Electricity
Insulator
Conductor
Polarized
Electric discharge
Grounding
Electric current
Electric circuit
Resistance
Voltage
Ohm’s law
Series circuit
Parallel circuit
Circuit breaker
Mechanical energy
Electrical energy
Semi conductors
Diodes
Transistors
Magnet
Magnetic pole
Magnetic domain
Magnetic field
Electromagnet
•
construct and compare series and parallel circuits.
•
create an electromagnet and explain how it works.
•
explain the relationship between a magnetic field and an
electric current.
Analyzing
Creating
Analyzing
Suggested Instructional
Activities
CG p. 28-29
-Text
-Notes
-Lectures
-Charts
-Videos
-Internet
-VDOE
-Graphic
Organizers
SMARTBoard
Add. Info.
Assessme
Student
demonstratio
ns
-Classroom
observations
-Student
laboratory
reports
-Quizzes
-Tests (text)
-Labs/Lab
-Reports
-Activities
-Teacher
quizzes
and tests
-CPS
Lessons
-SOL
Released
Tests
-ExamView
Pro
Electric motor
Generator
Direct current
Alternating current
Transformer
Turbine
•
construct simple circuits to determine the relationship between
voltage, resistance, and current.
•
compare and contrast generators and motors and how they
function.
•
identify situations in everyday life in which motors and
generators are used.
•
provide examples of materials that are good conductors,
semiconductors, and insulators.
•
identify current applications of semiconductors and their uses
(e.g., diodes and transistors).
* Bold items are assessed on the SOL test.
Creating
-Labs
-Activities
-Participation
-Worksheets
-Text tests
-Teacher
quizzes
and test
-Student
demonstratio
ns
-Activities
-Participation
-CPS
Lessonsnts
Resources
Analyzing
Applying
Applying
Applying
Other